Digital Mammography

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One in eight women will be affected by Breast Cancer sometime in their lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in women. Early detection is a vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer.

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. The use of mammography has greatly enhanced the ability to detect breast cancers at earlier stages.

Valley Imaging is equipped with Hologic full field digital mammography system. Our equipment uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor. To enhance the accuracy, we will use Computer-aided Detection (CAD) systems to search for abnormal areas of density, mass, calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting our radiologists to the need for further analysis.

At our center, we have the ability to provide both screening and diagnostic mammography.

Screening Mammography
Screening mammography has become the exam for early detection of breast cancer. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.

Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammogram in order to evaluate the area of concern on the screening exam and for woman who has implants. Often Ultrasound Breast exam is also used after diagnostic mammogram for further evaluation.

Preparation for Mammogram

If you have had mammograms in different facilities, please bring in your previous mammograms, reports and any other treatment reports to us for comparison.

Do not wear deodorant, powder or cream under your arms and breasts as it may interfere with the quality of your mammogram.

Screening mammography should take about 10-15 minutes. Diagnostic mammography should take about 30-45 minutes; with ultrasound breasts as needed would be another 30-45 minutes.